Hubbard said that the prison system is primarily the responsibility of the executive branch, but the Legislature would not try to wash its hands of the problem.

"Since we do appropriate the money, we do have a responsibility and a right to know how things are operating," Hubbard said.

Hubbard and Alabama Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh said they had met with representatives from the Council of State Governments and that the state could turn to that organization for help resolving the crisis.

"You can't just build your way out of it," he said. "That's not affordable and that's not sustainable."